HAWTHORN's ruck stocks face further depletion following an elbow injury to Broc McCauley in a practice match on Friday.

McCauley was named as one of Hawthorn's emergencies for Saturday's clash with North Melbourne at Aurora Stadium, but did not make the trip to Launceston with the side.

Instead he played in a scratch match for Box Hill against Coburg at the Ricoh centre, a match organised by the Hawks and Richmond because of a two-week VFL bye.

McCauley suffered the injury in the third term, but after the match, he posted a picture of the injury on Twitter, with the words "Not what you want in a week off practice match!"

Hawthorn's medical and football staff were en route to Launceston when the injury occurred and were waiting for results of a scan.

The 25-year-old has played two matches for Hawthorn this year, after crossing from the Brisbane Lions where he played three matches in 2011.

McCauley was drafted by the Hawks mainly as a depth player, but a wrist injury to no.1 ruckman Max Bailey just before the start of the season promoted McCauley's elevation to senior ranks.

Bailey won't be available for selection until at least after the bye, which for the Hawks is still a fortnight away, which leaves David Hale as the only ruckman with senior experience on the senior list at the Hawks.

Former Richmond and St Kilda ruckman Adam Pattison is on the club's rookie list, while youngsters Luke Lowden and Sam Grimley continue to develop for Box Hill.

You can follow AFL Media senior writer Ashley Browne on Twitter @afl_hashbrowne